E39 528i....how good are.

[dufusmuppet]

Im on the look out for a fairly cheap (upto £2k)family hack,and have been looking at the above.I remember all the hype over these cars and wondered are they still a good prospect for general family use considering their age.I dont do a lot of mileage and have use of other cars,so mainly use for days out and parking at the station.


thanks.....

[jonnydm]

I've just picked up one myself. Its a '99 T auto se witha about 4k of options. Its a lovely car. A great engine and lots of toys. Downsides are poor town mpg - although I have just driven 220miles to half a tank on the mway. Also a few electrical gremlins to sort out but nothing major.
Get one, you'll love it!

[Mr Dave]

Yes they are brilliant. Few niggles with e39s but no huge dramas, cooling system will probably need looked at.

[sparks_E39]

They will do 40 mpg if driven carefully at 60 mph but mid 30's is the norm, 22 mpg around town. Mine is awesome but I have spent £1000's in the two years I've had it keeping it on the road. Electronics are naff, cooling system WILL have to be replaced if it hasn't been already, its not a question of if it goes, its when. It's £400 you absolutely need to budget in to purchase price. They go through rear tyres quickly, watch out for knackered suspension. I have had the following done to my car since October 2008:

Cam sensors: £160 for two
Full suspension replacement: £500
Radiator and cooling system £400

Also my rear brake hoses will need looking at soon as they are deteriorating slightly but that's a relatively cheap job. Also there is a slight rattle from one of the wheels that no one can find. Mine ticked over 130k today.

[528Sport]

They are very good. I have a 528 sport 2000 model and love it currently with 137k on the clock.

On a long run I can get 40+ mpg
Mixed driving is about 27-31 mpg
Town driving about 16-20 mpg

Look at nikasil issues (pre march 1998 cars!)
Head lights are cac unless you buy ones with the facelift lights fitted. About £300 from euro car parts to upgrade if needed
Handbrakes are also cac but having an auto its only an issue at mot time.

[BliarOut]

Fantastic cars, cooling system needs overhauling from time to time but don't let that put you off. MPG over the last two years has been 24.3MPG for me.

I'd buy ten if I could get them

[mattman]

got a touring version and average about 24mpg around town on mainly short journeys.

you can have mine if you offer enough

not had experience of any of the problems listed (so far!)